Bluetree Group announces Kingsbury Press changes
Kingsbury Press will be moving away from the ‘ultra-luxury’ sector to focus on publishing
Shining a spotlight on the industry
Tuesday, 23 Apr 2024 11:54 GMT
Kingsbury Press will now be servicing the group’s other brands like Route1Print
Following its purchase of Kingsbury Press in 2021, Bluetree Group has announced changes to the company leading to a number of job losses.
Bluetree Group has continued to evolve its various print businesses over the past few years like with the investment of new kit like the Landa S10P Nanographic Printing Press and the closing of its medical division at the end of 2023.
Moving away from ultra-luxury and “craft” style work the business will now produce more standardised products on its industrialised platform switching the focus to publishing and servicing the requirements of the groups’ trade brand Route1Print.
The Kingsbury Press began in 1966 with an ever-present focus on craftsmanship and commitment to quality producing works with exotic materials which could cost thousands of pounds.
James Kinsella, co-chief executive officer for Bluetree Group, says: “It was a big decision for Kingsbury Press to move out of the market for very high-end craft style books. Although we’re excited for the future and the opportunities in the marketplace, we acknowledge that this is a big change for some long-standing clients who are part of Kingsbury’s heritage.
Kinsella acknowledges that this change has led to job losses, adding: “This change has unfortunately impacted a number of specialist roles and we are currently in discussions with affected team members.”
Sarah Kilcoyne-Guilliam, former deputy general manager at Kingsbury Press, took to LinkedIn to express her sadness in leaving the company after nearly 14 years.
Bluetree Group Plant, Manvers, UK
Kilcoyne-Guilliam said: “As I embark on a new chapter, I’ll carry with me invaluable lessons and memories from my time here. While it's bittersweet to say goodbye, I'm excited about the possibilities that lie ahead.”
The craft and passion of Kingsbury’s work have been evident in the raft of reactions and messages online as well as the company’s recent awards success.
Kilcoyne-Guilliam added: “A huge special mention to the Kingsbury team, for your dedication and commitment to producing something simply incredible. For reminding me of the passion that exists in bringing a product to life and embracing The Art of Print.”
Bluetreee has worked since 2021 to integrate Kingsbury into Bluetree Group by moving operations to its Manvers site in spring 2023 allowing for the business to offer a wider range of book production services.
Phil Tasker, head of Kingsbury Press, comments: “Over the past eighteen months, integration of the business into the Bluetree print infrastructure has enabled Kingsbury to win more work in the publishing sector. With these changes, and our investments in new technology from Landa and Müller Martini and others, we will be able to put our full focus on what we see as a very exciting market”
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